Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has consistently expressed concern at the conflict and insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during our term to date. Unfortunately, recent months have seen an increase in insecurity and violence in eastern DRC and a worrying escalation of tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. At the most recent discussion on the DRC at the UNSC on 29 June, Ireland specifically expressed concern at rising tensions and stressed the importance of regional efforts to address the crisis.

Ireland supports the efforts of the United Nations, through the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), to reduce violence and instability in DRC, both through our membership of the UNSC and our deployment of personnel to MONUSCO.

Ireland has been a troop contributing country to MONUSCO, previously MONUC, since 2001. Additionally, Ireland provided €4.9 million in humanitarian assistance to the DRC in 2021, and have committed a further €4.4 million for humanitarian assistance and response in 2022.

The European Union (EU) is currently actively engaged in the DRC and has encouraged the development of a strategic, political resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC. Ireland has emphasised the importance of the engagement of national and regional organisations and actors to promote peace and stability in DRC and the wider Great Lakes Region, including as a member of UNSC and the EU. The DRC will be among the subjects to be discussed by EU Foreign Ministers when the next meet on 18 July. Ireland has welcomed the efforts of the East African Community Heads of State Conclave, including the Nairobi peace process, and the recent summit between the Presidents of DRC and Rwanda hosted by the International Conference on the Great Lakes (ICGLR) in Luanda, Angola.

Ireland will continue to maintain that politicisation of instability must not be allowed to deepen the current crisis in eastern DRC. As a UNSC member, Ireland will steadfastly encourage efforts by regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions and build trust. Regional cooperation remains essential in the pursuit of peace and security, and Ireland will continue to highlight the importance of the ongoing implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, and to encourage constructive engagement in the Nairobi peace process and the implementation of the ICGLR Roadmap.